Fried Cabbage

Name: Fried Cabbage
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 - 8 serving(s)
Ingredients: 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 1 small head green cabbage, cored and cut into about 1-inch pieces; 2 tsp. kosher salt; 1 tsp. celery seed; 1/2 tsp. black pepper; 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar

Crispy bacon and caramelized onions make this a comforting dish.

By Hannah KlingerUpdated: Feb 12, 2024

Recipe by Sloane Layton

2 Ratings

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the pioneer woman's fried cabbage recipe

Caitlin Bensel

Yields:

6 - 8 serving(s)

Prep Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

35 mins

This St. Patrick's Day, why not try a side dish of irresistible fried cabbage? The not-so surprising secret ingredient is, of course, bacon. Cabbage crisps in the drippings, then steams in the pan until just tender. Celery seed adds crunch and an earthy flavor that balances the rest of the dish. This cabbage recipe is an essential part of a traditional Irish dinner just like corned beef and Irish soda bread. But you don't have to wait until St. Paddy's Day to enjoy it! Make it any night of the week with a skillet of cornbread to soak up all the juices in the pan.

How do you core a cabbage?

Cut the cabbage in half through the stem, then halve each so you have four quarters. Cut into each quarter at a 45-degree angle to remove the center core. Instead of discarding the core, you can also thinly slice it and give it a head start in the pan before adding the rest of the cabbage.

Can you use regular bacon instead of thick-cut bacon?

Thick-cut bacon will still be crispy after the fat has rendered and will be more visible in the finished dish than regular bacon, but you can use either here in this Dutch oven meal. Be sure to remove it from the Dutch oven as soon as it's cooked (bacon can burn quickly in its own drippings).

Can you make fried cabbage vegetarian?

Yes! For a vegetarian version of fried cabbage, simply skip the bacon. Instead, sauté the vegetables in a few tablespoons of butter or olive oil. The cabbage won't have quite the same rich, smoky flavor, but it will still be delicious.

What can I use instead of apple cider vinegar?

A splash of apple cider vinegar brightens up fried cabbage (apples and cabbage are also a classic pair). If you don't have cider vinegar on hand, try one of these apple cider vinegar substitutes.

What can you serve with fried cabbage?

Fried cabbage is perfect for a hearty winter meal! Beyond your St. Patrick's Day corned beef and potatoes, serve this side dish with baked beans or potato pierogi.

How long does fried cabbage last?

You can store leftover fried cabbage in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The best way to reheat fried cabbage is in a skillet over medium-low heat.

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Ingredients

Directions

1. Step 1Place bacon in a medium Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp and rendered, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the heat. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon drippings in the Dutch oven.
2. Step 2Return the Dutch oven to medium heat. Add the onion, and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 6 minutes. Add the cabbage, 2 tablespoons of water, salt, celery seed, and pepper. Toss well to evenly coat the cabbage. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender, 8 to 12 minutes.
3. Step 3Remove the cabbage from the heat and stir in the vinegar and bacon. Serve hot.

Tip: If you're planning to reheat the cabbage, undercook it just slightly.

Recipe bySloane Layton

Sloane Layton is a trained chef, recipe developer and regular contributor to ThePioneerWoman.com. An avid bread baker and pastry connoisseur, when she’s not proofing sourdough, she enjoys traveling, and is always on the hunt for the flakiest croissant.

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